The right way to break up with a toxic partner: A psychiatrist offers advice

Our relationships are primarily based on our emotions. You might, however, come to realize that no matter how much affection or emotional attachment you feel towards your partner, the relationship is simply too toxic and needs to end. At the same time, it isn’t too easy to call it quits when it comes to romantic relationships.

Factors such as being too used to your partner, lack of confidence and the fear of hurting the other person might be forcing you to put up with toxicity. The bottom line, however, is that clinging on to such a relationship will only deteriorate your mental health.

We talked to Dr Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, who revealed that not only a toxic relationship but any negative situation can have a significant impact on our mental health and cause a decline in self-confidence. A toxic relationship carries extra baggage which can be difficult to handle. 

“It can change you as a person, reduce your creativity, and literally puncture your uniqueness and confidence. Due to pressure, you could be predisposed to adverse effects of stress, both mentally and physically. You could develop a higher risk of depression or chronic anxiety. If things get out of hand, the situation might aggravate any previous physical problems or cause new ones. In addition, a toxic relationship leads to a loss in focus and energy which could have been invested in something more progressive,” said Dr Anand.

There’s no doubt that the right time to get out of a relationship is when it is becoming more of a burden than a companionship. 

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Here’s the right time to move on from a relationship

Every relationship has good days and bad days but when bad days start outnumbering the good ones, it’s time to move on. A good time to quit is when a relationship is making you question your aims/priorities or forcing you to make adjustments that cause you to compromise on your individuality.

Being stressed due to your relationship, the inability to sleep, having frequent headaches, and feeling irritable around your partner are the signs that you should look out for to help you decide whether it is time to move on.

Here’s the right way to break up

Breaking up with someone can be emotionally daunting for both partners. Hence, it is important that you do it the right way.

Here are 3 key tips by Dr Anand: 

1. You could sit with your partner to discuss why you can’t stay in the relationship and make it clear that you want to move on. Informing your partner about your decision is the respectful thing to do.
2. Some people are non-confrontational and avoid discussing things with their partner. They might even choose to end things with a simple call or message. Needless to say, this could really hurt the other person’s feelings. Amicable farewells help both partners with closure.
3. If you have broken up many times before only to get back, you could write a daily diary about how the relationship makes you feel. You can use this as a reminder of how breaking up is in the best interest of both you and your partner.

“It is not advisable to jump into another relationship to avoid the pain of a breakup. Closing a relationship peacefully can help you move ahead with a positive attitude. Give yourself some time to heal,” advise Dr Anand.

So, ladies, if you are also looking for the right way to move on from a relationship then use these tips and do it without hurting yourself or your partner.